Academics

Before the program, YIVO students are sorted into six levels: Yiddish I (Alef), Yiddish II (Beys), Yiddish III (Giml), Yiddish IV (Daled), Yiddish V (Hey), and Yiddish VI (Vov). Teachers will use your Yiddish writing sample, if you have one, and a brief interview to help assess your language level. All students participate in two morning classes, divided into grammar and literature and a combination of Conversation (shmues), Literature, and Culture classes in the afternoons. In a typical summer, evenings are devoted to homework or special electives and events. Some advanced students choose to spend free time pursuing research in the YIVO Archives.

A typical student's schedule for the 2024 program (subject to change) might look like this:

Note that all times are in EDT. (What time is that for me?)
Please check back for updates on the full 2024 schedule.